Sports massage is based on Swedish massage, a technique that uses the application
of pressure to manipulate soft tissue. Swedish massage was developed
in the 1700s by Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish physiologist and fencing master,
and involves the use of gliding strokes, kneading movements, circular
pressure of the hand and fingers, vibratory movements, brisk tapping and
bending and stretching.

Sports massage incorporates all of these Swedish massage movements,
together with additional intensive techniques that are specifically designed to
prevent and treat sports injuries.

How does it work?

Sports massage aims to improve the suppleness and flexibility of muscles and
joints, improve blood circulation, speed up the healing of damaged or
stressed muscles, tissues and joints, and prevent future muscle and tendon
injuries.

A sports massage can be carried out prior to a sports event, when it will
stimulate circulation, calm nervous tension and prepare the individual for
optimal performance whilst at the same time reducing the risk of injury.
It can be carried out after a sports event, when it will relieve soreness and
assist with the removal of lactic acid and other waste products. It is often used
during training, when the practitioner will focus on speeding up the healing
of existing injuries and preventing the development of future injuries.

What does it involve?

The client is usually asked to remove their outer layer of clothing so that the
practitioner can work directly onto the skin. The massage is carried out whilst
the client is lying on a massage couch or table and, depending on whether it
is pre-event, post-event or a training massage, the therapy can take from thirty
minutes to two hours.

What is it good for?

Sports massage is good for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to
the musculoskeletal system. It reduces strain and discomfort caused by
training or participating in sport, and it encourages the body to heal and
repair any injuries sustained.

What are the benefits?

The main benefit of sports massage is that it improves muscle flexibility, blood
circulation and reduces swelling, aids the prevention of sports injuries and assists
the body with recovery and repair after sports injuries have been sustained.

What are the side effects and when should it be avoided?

Sports massage, although relaxing and soothing, can also be quite vigorous.
If the client has muscle soreness the massage may, initially, cause some discomfort.
Sports massage should be avoided if you have open wounds, muscle
tears, sprained ligaments or burns; varicose veins, phlebitis, thrombosis,
cancer, tumours, melanoma or haemophilia. This therapy is also unsuitable
for anyone with infectious skin disease such as a fungal infection or herpes.
People with diabetes should be aware that sports massage will have the same
effects as exercise.

What Next?

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